Prevalence and analysis of equine periodontal disease, diastemata and peripheral caries in a first-opinion horse population in the UK.
Authors: Nuttall H E, Ravenhill P J
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Periodontal Disease and Associated Dental Pathologies in UK First-Opinion Practice Dental disease substantially impacts equine welfare, yet epidemiological data from primary care settings remain limited. Nuttall and Ravenhill examined dental records from 932 horses presenting to first-opinion practices in south-western England and southern Wales over a 12-month period, documenting the prevalence and anatomical distribution of three clinically significant conditions: active periodontal disease, diastemata and peripheral caries. Active periodontal disease proved most prevalent at 13.9%, followed by diastemata (8.7%) and peripheral caries (8.2%), with clear anatomical predilections—periodontal disease and diastemata both concentrated in mandibular premolar teeth, whilst peripheral caries favoured molar locations, and a strong positive association existed between periodontal disease and diastemata (4.22-fold increased odds). Age emerged as a significant risk factor for both periodontal disease and diastemata, though sex showed no consistent relationship with any of the three conditions studied. These findings should prompt practitioners to prioritise systematic examination of the mandibular premolars during routine dental checks, particularly in mature horses, and to recognise that identification of diastemata warrants careful assessment for concurrent periodontal involvement, as the conditions frequently co-occur rather than presenting in isolation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Dental disease affects a substantial proportion of horses (up to 30% with at least one condition); routine oral examination and dental care should be a standard practice recommendation
- •Younger horses with diastemata are at high risk of developing periodontal disease; early intervention and monitoring of these cases may prevent progression
- •Mandibular premolar teeth warrant particular attention during routine dental examinations given their higher prevalence of both periodontal disease and diastemata
Key Findings
- •Prevalence of active periodontal disease, diastemata, and peripheral caries were 13.9%, 8.7%, and 8.2% respectively in a UK first-opinion horse population
- •Periodontal disease and diastemata were significantly more common in mandibular than maxillary arcades and in premolar than molar cheek teeth
- •Peripheral caries were significantly more common in molar than premolar cheek teeth
- •Strong positive association demonstrated between periodontal disease and diastemata (Exp(B)=4.22), with increasing age as a significant risk factor for both conditions